Utah Looking at Anti-Internet Gaming LegislationRep. Stephen Sandstrom Drafted Bill to Keep State Free of iGaming |
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On Tuesday afternoon, Utah lawmaker Rep. Stephen Sandstrom (R-Orem) announced via his website that he has drafted a law that would ban online poker, and all forms of web gaming, in his state.
Sandstrom wrote that the decision is in “response to proposed legislation in the U.S. Congress to legalize online gambling unless states proactively opt out.”
“The [Utah] bill is even more significant due to [the Dec. 23] ruling by the U.S. Department of Justice that states may legalize online gambling,” he added. “This bill is a referendum on the DOJ’s decision and some in the U.S. Congress such as Senate Leader Harry Reid to proliferate online gambling.”
The bill would amend a 2007 measure aimed to keep Tribal casinos out of the state.
Sandstrom wrote that “many gambling critics see the DOJ’s recent interpretation as another major crack in America’s moral foundation.” He also called expansion of the industry a “desperate attempt” for economic recovery in the country.
Utah and Hawaii are the only two states to prohibit all forms of gaming. Earlier this year, Hawaii briefly considered a bill to license and regulate both live and online poker.
While Utah is looking at early safeguards from gaming in cyberspace, neighboring Nevada is on the fast track to having the nation’s first intrastate online poker industry.
Card Player couldn’t reach Sandstrom for further comment at this time.
Follow Brian Pempus on Twitter — @brianpempus
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